The Devotional – Search the Scriptures – 342


The Devotional – Search the Scriptures – 342

Philippians 4 New King James Version (NKJV)

Philippian Generosity

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Christ/Messiah – Meditation in The Wisdom and knowledge of God

Giving a gift! I think the Apostle Paul had the best Spiritual awareness that all of us could use a dose of today. Once, some years ago I visited a church in Nebraska and when it came time to pass the offering basket, if someone placed a twenty-dollar bill in the basket the usher would wave the twenty in the air and shouts of Amen was heard from various patrons. If anyone gave a hundred- dollar bill long shouts of Alleluia, praise the LORD and Amen filled the auditorium. This was not a sacrificial offering from the heart and I do not believe that the Messiah was pleased.

The gifts we provide for the church of Jesus Christ are personal and family blessings to those who give. For the one who receives the gift, it is a joyful experience seeing their needs being met—on time, by God our Father. My wife and I are pleased daily as we see the LORD’s provision for us. Our needs are not monetary, our needs are to see God answering prayer and the answers He provides covers all, resulting in a whole host of praise and worship because He always exceeds what we expect.

I am certain that the apostle is revealing a secret that most believers overlook today. We give, but it is God who gives the increase. Did you get that? We give of our sufficiency, many times what we give falls below the threshold of what is needed, but it is God who provides the increase, thus, we should never gloat over our insufficient giving and miss the blessing of God.


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